On April 24, 2014 Governor Terry MacAuliffe announced his official support for Broad Street Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which will build Bus Rapid Transit from Rocketts Landing to Willow Lawn in the City of Richmond and Henrico County. The Governor made it clear that the Broad Street BRT project is important not only for the economy of Metropolitan Richmond but also for the economy of the Commonwealth as a whole. In the words of Governor McAuliffe:
“ Improving and expanding Virginia’s transportation system in order to grow our economy is one of my highest priorities,” said Governor McAuliffe. “The Richmond BRT is exactly the type of project that we should be advancing to improve the lives of the Virginians we serve. It will be affordable, provide Richmond residents with more transportation choices and help link people with businesses and jobs across the region.”
Mayor Dwight Jones also voiced his support for the Broad Street BRT:
“Transportation is an essential part of daily life,” said Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “Linking the regional economy together through a better transportation network is something we’ve been working toward for the employment and economic development needs of our city, and the Richmond BRT project is a critical and important step in that regard.”
The DRPT (Department of Rail and Public Transportation) and GRTC (Greater Richmond Transit Company)are applying for a TIGER grant through the FTA (Federal Transit Authority),which will expedite the construction of the Broad Street BRT. This grant will provide $24.9 million in funding, which is 50% of the cost of the project. The remaining costs for construction will be split betweenthe state providing $17 million and the City of Richmond and Henrico County providing $8 million.
Read the Governor’s full announcement.
This important announcement received the following press coverage in metropolitan Richmond:
View CBS 6’s story on the Broad Street BRT
Read an article on the Broad Street BRT from Virginia Business
Read an article on the Broad Street BRT from the Richmond Times Dispatch